Friday, August 29, 2014

So I've already confused my accounting for my TBR Shelf Reading Challenge, because I didn't take into account books that I borrow from friends or the library! It means that this week looks like a three-steps-back week as far as my reading-and-donating record is concerned.

I read Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay, my Class of 2k12 sibling. I've had this book for a while, and I've been saving it for just the right moment. It's a novel in verse about a girl who is struggling to learn what true love really is, as well as the importance of friends.

I also finished The Grand Tour by Tim Moore. Way back when, I wanted to be a travel writer, and read dozens (if not hundreds) of travelogues covering all seven continents. This was a wonderful return to those roots, but also a lesson in history as Moore follows the path of Thomas Coryate, who traveled from England to Venice and back again--mostly on foot--in 1608. The first "Grand Tourist". Moore also inserts bits and pieces of accounts written from the heyday of the grand tour (the 18th and 19th centuries), and it's amazing to see how many things have stayed the same over hundreds of years. Made me want to return to Europe.

So I finished two books, which entitles me to buy one and....I bought two.

Can't Look Away by my dear friend Donna Cooner. I read and early draft of this and can't wait to read it again.

Maid of Deception by Jenn McGowan. I read McGowan's first book, Maid of Secrets last year and loved it. Mystery and romance in Elizabeth's court? Yes, please!

I also borrowed the ARC of Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers from my friend Beth Hull and, inspired by The Grand Tour, Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne from the library.

So this week, the total is:

Read: 2

Acquired: 4

Not sure how this is going to help lessen the burden on my TBR shelf, but at least I'm enjoying it!

About Me

Having spent time as a freelance travel writer, travel agent, coffee shop barista, bookseller, ship's steward, construction company contracts manager and Montessori preschool teacher, I have finally found my calling. I write historical fiction for young adults. I am represented by Catherine Drayton of InkWell Management.

Find Me!

TARNISH

When poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach Anne Boleyn on how to shine at court, she accepts. Before long, Anne's popularity has soared, but more than popularity, Anne wants a voice. What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart's desire and the chance to make history.

GILT

When her best friend marries Henry VIII, Kitty Tylney must learn to walk the fine line between secrets and treason, discovering that in the Tudor court, the price of gossip could literally be her head.